Daily Walk in Istanbul

What to Expect

Excursion in the Heart of Istanbul
The chronicles of the city, which remembers four powerful empires of the world, and the greatest monuments of world architecture are in our program for 2 hours! You will browse the biography of Istanbul, hear legends, and learn how a particular building served the rulers of the state. So, the route is as follows:

1️⃣ Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome) - the traditional starting point of tours in Istanbul. You will imagine the Byzantine Hippodrome at this location and learn about its excavations, as well as recall the Crusaders. On the square, you will see the Egyptian Obelisk (the oldest construction in Istanbul), the Serpent Column (why is it a symbol of victory?), and the Obelisk of Constantine (who was it actually built in honor of?).

2️⃃ Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, now housing the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. We will talk about key exhibits, the prison past of the palace, and which of the sins actually destroyed the second most powerful man of the 'magnificent century' of the Ottoman Empire.

3️⃃ Hagia Sophia - a Christian cathedral turned mosque and a model for many Ottoman mosques. You will understand the complex fate of the temple, discover the secrets of its construction, and grasp its uniqueness.

4️⃃ Blue Mosque: admiring the elegant building, you will uncover how the lack of language knowledge and fear to clarify the sultan's order led to consequences, as well as what the construction of a mosque with six minarets meant for the state.

5️⃃ Hurrem Sultan Hammam - the creation of the great Sinan. We will talk about this architect who lived in the 15-16th centuries and the legendary Roxelana, beloved of Sultan Suleiman I. We will discuss the importance of hammams in religion, the differences in water procedures between the poor and the rich.

6️⃃ Topkapi Palace. What does its name mean? How did audiences of viziers to the sultan proceed? And how was life in the harem? All this and much more on the tour.

In addition, you will learn why cats are considered sacred animals in Islam and how they are treated nowadays.

Istanbul Instructions from a City Enthusiast
Istanbul is one of those cities where it's easy to get lost without a knowledgeable guide, easy to be disappointed, and not impressed. Our guide will show you Istanbul in all its glory and help you feel at home here: recommend tasty establishments (and advise on which street food, traditional dishes, and sweets to try), museums, and other places for independent exploration.